APPENDIX II: ON SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

1314. - Spiritual Communion is called the pious desire of receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist, when it cannot really be received. This Communion was very much in delight among the Saints, and is commended by Trent.³ It is very useful to pious faithful. For if God rewards the pious desire of any virtue whatever, how much more the desire of possessing himself! Therefore it is to be carefully suggested by confessors to the faithful, their penitents, and most vehemently commended. Spiritual Communion can be made at every time and in every place, both in the morning and in the evening. Nevertheless the more opportune time is the time of Mass itself, when namely the priest communicates; for then, since the most august Sacrament is shown to the eyes and represented more vividly to the mind, it will inflame hearts more ardently with divine love.